Pokémon Adds Another Game to the NSO Library

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team Joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Launching August 9th

Nintendo's Expansion Pack for Nintendo Switch Online welcomes another classic Pokémon title to its growing library. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team arrives on August 9th, as officially announced by Nintendo. This beloved roguelike adventure will be accessible to subscribers of the Expansion Pack, which also provides access to a curated selection of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games.

Originally released globally in 2006 for the Game Boy Advance, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team offers a unique roguelike experience. Players transform into Pokémon, exploring challenging dungeons and embarking on missions to solve the mystery behind their transformation. A companion title, Blue Rescue Team, launched concurrently for the Nintendo DS. A remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, was released for the Switch in 2020.

Fan Demand for Mainline Pokémon Titles on NSO

While the Expansion Pack regularly adds classic titles, the inclusion of primarily Pokémon spin-offs (like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League) has left some fans wanting more. Many are eager to see mainline Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Red and Blue, added to the service. Speculation regarding this absence includes potential challenges with N64 Transfer Pak compatibility, NSO infrastructure limitations, and integration with the Pokémon Home app (which Nintendo doesn't fully own). One fan theorized that ensuring fair and secure trading mechanics might be a significant hurdle.

NSO's Latest Perks and the Nintendo Mega Multiplayer Festival

Two Free Months with Resubscription!

Coinciding with the PMD Red Rescue Team announcement, Nintendo is offering a limited-time incentive for renewing Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions. As part of the Mega Multiplayer Festival (running until September 8th), purchasing a 12-month subscription from the eShop or My Nintendo Store earns subscribers two extra months free. Further August bonuses include increased Gold Points on game purchases (August 5th-18th).

From August 19th to 25th, four full multiplayer Switch game trials will be available (specific titles to be revealed later). A subsequent Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale will run from August 26th to September 8th, 2024.

Looking Ahead to the Nintendo Switch 2

With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon (an announcement expected within the fiscal year), the future integration of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains unclear. For further details on the upcoming Switch 2, please refer to the link below.